Many women, Hawkins said, fail because they don't have the courage to follow their convictions and to insist that their talents be used. Others falter when they fail to realize that responsibilities go along with success. ''You've got to grasp that ring when it comes by,'' Hawkins said, ''because it might not come by again.''

She cautioned the women that even though success in politics or business is desirable, success in the home and protection of children comes first.

''No success in life would compensate for failure in the home,'' Hawkins said.

Hawkins' speech centered mainly on the role of women in politics and business. The businesswomen interrupted the speech dozens of times with applause when Hawkins said that more of them should be involved in politics, high-level business decisions and foreign policy maneuverings.

Hawkins said women bring a ''different sensitivity'' to the decision- making process, and she got laughs when she insisted that city councils should abandon traffic engineers and get their traffic information from women who ''run the car pools.''

Hawkins said she is tired of being asked about ''women's issues,'' and that she doesn't believe there are any issues that affect only women.

In an earlier news conference, Hawkins said little about the controversy over federal disaster aid for the coastal area struck by Hurricane Elena.

She said the question of whether disaster funds should be made available was up to Gov. Bob Graham and federal authorities.

Asked if people who had built too close to the water should be barred from rebuilding, Hawkins said the issue was one ''for the developers and the environmentalists'' and would have to be considered on a ''case-by-case, shoreline-by-shoreline'' basis.

Hawkins declined comment on whether she will support sanctions against South Africa for its racial polices, and she would not say if she would vote to override a presidential veto of a sanctions bill.

The senator said she supports space shuttle flights by members of Congress and wants some of the action. NASA on Friday chose Rep. Bill Nelson, D-Melbourne, to be the second congressman in orbit.

''Yes, I'm in favor of him Nelson going up,'' Hawkins said. ''As a matter of fact, I've signed up myself.''

She said she believes flying politicians on the shuttle is good for the program and is not a waste of tax money.